Nolberto Solano is on the verge of signing a new contract that will keep him at Newcastle United until 2006.

But according to the #5m midfielder's agent who has lifted the lid on the imminent deal, Spanish giants Barcelona are ready to pounce should there be any late hitches to the 26-year-old midfielder pledging his future to Tyneside for the majority of his remaining career.

The Catalan Uefa Cup semi-finalists have belatedly joined the chase for the Peruvian international who has been locked in talks over an improved contract at St James's Park since the turn of the year.

And Solano's list of admirers also includes Parma hoping to lure the Callao-born from the North-East if the former Sporting Cristal star is unable to push the deal through.

The player's contract expires at the end of next season and despite well publicised off the field problems which have co-incided with a dip in form for one of the Premiership's best dead ball exponents, Newcastle have been attempting to tie up the ex-Boca Juniors playmaker's future despite his clear marketability throughout Europe.

Solano's agent, Juan Domingo Pinieri confirmed that reports suggesting the two parties remain some distance apart are wide of the mark.

He added: "At this present time Solano has already reached an agreement with Newcastle to stay for another five years but until the documents are signed nothing is complete.

"There are other teams watching the situation. One of the teams is Parma, they are very interested in him but they are not the only team, there is also interest from Spain."

Meanwhile, Solano is in line to face Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne derby next week after Newcastle came to an agreement with Peru over his release for international duty to head off another potential club versus country dilemma.

The midfielder will now jet out immediately after the Stadium of Light clash to join up with his national squad for a World Cup qualifying game against Brazil in Sao Paulo four days after the Premiership fixture.

Newcastle assistant boss Mick Wadsworth said: "I think Nobby will definitely be available for the derby now, it looks as though we don't have any problems. There were a few discussions this morning and that's the latest situation.

"As far as we know he will play against Sunderland and fly out to meet up with the national team immediately afterwards."

Solano then faces another trans-Atlantic dash to make it back in time for the Premiership visit by Leicester City on April 28, to round off a gruelling 8,000 round trip.